Toxic Cargo Washes Up on Kerala Shores Following Shipwreck
Image Credits: Indian Coast Guard/X
On May 25, 2025, the MSC ELSA 3, a container ship flying the Liberian flag, sank off Kerala’s coast. this vessel measured 184 meters and was loaded with over 640 containers—13 of which held hazardous materials.
Unluckily, many of these containers have spilled into the ocean and are beginning to wash up on local beaches, creating serious risks for both public safety and marine ecosystems.
By May 26, reports indicated that at least ten containers had made their way to shores in Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Some were damaged upon impact with seawalls, leaking unknown substances into the environment.
Residents spotted containers along beaches in areas like Cheriazheekal and Karunagappally. One container even burst open, scattering its contents across the sand.
The Kerala state disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued alerts about potential dangers from these containers. They warned that some might contain calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts dangerously with seawater to produce flammable acetylene gas.
authorities are advising people to maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from any floating or washed-up debris. Police have cordoned off affected zones for public safety.
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 24, 2025
Another pressing issue is an oil leak from the sunken ship. The MSC ELSA 3 was carrying approximately 84 metric tonnes of diesel fuel along with over 367 metric tonnes of furnace oil—both now leaking into surrounding waters.
In a meeting led by Kerala Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, officials disclosed that this oil is moving toward shore at around three kilometers per hour and could soon reach landfall in Kerala.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is spearheading cleanup efforts; they’ve deployed two ships and a Dornier aircraft equipped for tracking oil spills effectively under their National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan. Advanced technology onboard allows them to monitor how far the spill spreads while mapping out affected areas accurately.
Experts from INCOIS have run simulations predicting that slicks could hit Alappuzha’s shores within just one or two days—marking those regions as high-risk zones for contamination.
considering this situation, authorities across Kerala have declared a statewide alert; fishing activities are suspended within a twenty-nautical-mile radius around where the vessel sank until further notice. Fishermen are advised against venturing out onto the water during this critical time frame as well.
All coastal agencies have been instructed to caution residents against approaching any unfamiliar objects or containers found on beaches.
— Indian Coast guard (@indiacoastguard) May 25, 2025
To bolster response efforts further, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been mobilized throughout various districts in Kerala by state departments including Factories and Boilers as well as Pollution Control boards ready to tackle any chemical leaks or oil slicks swiftly.
Customs officials confirmed that cargo aboard was non-duty paid; tampering with it is indeed illegal—and Customs Marine Units remain vigilant along coastlines to prevent looting or mishaps related to these hazardous materials.
The MSC ELSA left vizhinjam Port en route to Kochi when it began tilting dangerously around lunchtime on May 24 due largely due rough seas coupled with suspected hull damage leading ultimately towards its sinking approximately thirty-eight nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
Fortunately all twenty-four crew members—including individuals hailing from Russia through Georgia—were rescued thanks largely due cooperation between ICG personnel alongside Navy forces during joint operations.
As cleanup continues amid drifting debris washing ashore daily officials urge community members report suspicious sightings via emergency number 112 if they encounter anything unusual like oily patches or unidentified containers nearby.
Reference: The Hindu | Indian Express
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